§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding has been provided to the Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association in the last five years; and what funding is proposed for 1991–92.
§ Mr. John PattenPrior to 1990–91, no contribution from central funds was made to the Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association. In the financial year 1990–91, a contribution of £40,000 was made by the Home Office to the association. Provision is available for a contribution of £40,000 in the current financial year, of which £10,000 has so far been paid to the association.
§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what role is played in the provision of advice to his Department by(a) the Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association and (b) the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council is constituted under section 29 of the Fire Services Act 1947 to advise my right hon. Friend on matters as to which he is required by the Act to consult it, or on any other matters arising in connection with the operation of the Act which the council has taken into consideration, apart from matters relating to conditions of service and the maintenance of discipline. My right hon. Friend is responsible for appointing the members of the council, who include representatives of the interests of fire authorities and of persons employed as members of fire brigades. The Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association is one member of the council. The association is also represented on the joint committees which report to the council and to the Scottish Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council. Apart from its role in submitting advice to my right hon. Friend through the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council, the Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association has no special role in the provision of advice to the Home Office.